Dude, I bought the first 8D around lunch time. I missed out on the LWBs and didn't even think twice when these showed up on their website. Competition for 8Ds is fierce! LOL

I figured there's no time like the present to buy, so I pulled the trigger. It was almost an impulse buy for me, but like others have said...once I saw the Leffot Instagram feed I was sold. Should be my go-to shoe for many occasions.

Does anyone have a tip on where I might be able to find dark brown CXL chukkas on commando? I've searched online but haven't seen anything. Thanks in advance.

that's a unique one.. other than pelle line, I can't recall seeing a brown chukka. even then, the brown chukka at pelle line doesn't even state that it is CXL. moreso, their photo doesn't reflect it being commando

I've been reading the EG appreciation thread over the last month, trying to learn what I can about lasts and colors. I have a feeling that once you pop, you can't stop. That said, I have a question for those that own both Alden and EG: do the EGs fill a different niche than your Aldens do? The reason for my hesitation to go all EG-wild is that I'm not sure if some of their lasts and shapes are a bit daintier than the Aldens, which are at the neat nexus of being dressy enough and elegant enough without being too delicate, foppish, dandyish or try-too-hard-ish. Can someone help me arrive at a more subtle understanding, if only to help me not delve into the realm of $1k+ shoes that aren't even shell...Thanks!

Primum non nocere... but I think this might hurt a little.

Here are comparison pics between my cigar LWB and EG Westminster on their 888 (I think this was the style you're interested in). Personally I don't think that my EG shoes are too "fragile" but they are definitely different.

I'm speaking strictly traditionally. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions, as there are countless combinations that these boutique shoe shops have now had made up given the popularity of menswear in recent years.

However, traditionally speaking, an oil soaked sole is going to fall into a more casual category than a traditional oak tanned sole simply because of it's appearance. You are right that if the edge trim is black, then most people will never notice. However, there are still those who cross their legs and show their soles, even though it isn't "couth". It isn't a deal breaker on any shoe, and I didn't mean it that way. Rather, if I had three pairs of black captoes lined up, which were all the same, with the exception of the sole, and one had an oak tanned sole with black edge trim and black finishing on the bottom (where it doesn't touch the ground), one had traditional oak tanned soles, and one had the rich brown oil soaked soles, I would rank their formality in the order I listed them.

I was answering the OP's question on why Alden doesn't use oiled leather soles on all their shoes. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have them on most shoes, assuming you like them.T

Thank you to all that provided insight, my questions have been answered. Now if I can just find the perfect combination of LWB with an antique edge and double waterlock sole I can put this current fixation to rest.

I'm speaking strictly traditionally. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions, as there are countless combinations that these boutique shoe shops have now had made up given the popularity of menswear in recent years.

However, traditionally speaking, an oil soaked sole is going to fall into a more casual category than a traditional oak tanned sole simply because of it's appearance. You are right that if the edge trim is black, then most people will never notice. However, there are still those who cross their legs and show their soles, even though it isn't "couth". It isn't a deal breaker on any shoe, and I didn't mean it that way. Rather, if I had three pairs of black captoes lined up, which were all the same, with the exception of the sole, and one had an oak tanned sole with black edge trim and black finishing on the bottom (where it doesn't touch the ground), one had traditional oak tanned soles, and one had the rich brown oil soaked soles, I would rank their formality in the order I listed them.

I was answering the OP's question on why Alden doesn't use oiled leather soles on all their shoes. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have them on most shoes, assuming you like them.

Thank you to all that provided insight, my questions have been answered. Now if I can just find the perfect combination of LWB with an antique edge and double waterlock sole I can put this current fixation to rest.

I didn't see the original post, but Leffot has a few sizes left of their latest run of exactly what you described in Color 8

that's a unique one.. other than pelle line, I can't recall seeing a brown chukka. even then, the brown chukka at pelle line doesn't even state that it is CXL. moreso, their photo doesn't reflect it being commando

sorry, no help

Quote:

Originally Posted by rydenfan

Check shoe mart. I got a brown CXL chukka there previously. I think it was a waterloc but you could just beat the hell out of it and then send to to B Nelson once you need a new sole

Thanks. I'll check with the Shoemart tomorrow. Unionmade makes something close but it's scotch grain which I've never been particularly interested in. Would love to find one to use over the winter.